Venue: Epicuria Nehru Place
Date: 28th June 2017

The humble dhaba is almost a passe. One drives kilometers on the highway for the authentic dhaba taste but all one sees are fancy restaurants in the name of the humble dhabas. Dhaba by Claridges has taken up an initiative starting with an expedition.

Chef Ravi Saxena drove down all the way from Delhi to Amritsar. The goal was to sample dhaba food on the way. Based on his experience, the good chef and his team has curated a new menu “Dhaba Road Trips“. As Chef Saxena said, the new fare is wholesome and simple – sans fancy garnish, plating or gimmicks like foam, smoke or nitrogen. The philosophy is age-old tastes, wholesome food and satisfactory burps – age old dhaba style. But then there is a twist. Chef has introduced some new ingredients with typical Punjabi elements like soy, paneer or kamal kakri (lotus stem). We haven’t had chhana dal mashed in red meat kabab, paneer curry with soy or kheer – rabri combined in a single dish. The must tries include chicken in kadhi, the curd and chickpea stable, and stuffed omelette with chicken filling. Among the variety of tasty breads, khameeri roti on the side reminded us of nani ki haat ka khana.

The bright colored interior, truck art on the walls including a truck replica doubling as the bar, ample lighting and comfortable seating makes it a happy dining place. We saw diverse groups: colleagues, friends and families happily dining here. If you are a Punjabi, or more so, a non-Punjabi keen to try tasty wholesome – fuss free North Indian food – Dhaba by Claridges is the place and their new menu your best bet.